Writing and email to your pen-friend

ASK YOUR PEN PAL SOME QUESTIONS
This isn’t a soliloquy, so make sure to include some questions about your pen friend’s life too, and ensure you do this in every single letter you send to them. A letter with no questions not only comes across as quite selfish, but it is also difficult to reply to; give your friend some questions to answer – they’ll be happy, and you’ll learn more about them too. If you’re ever stuck for questions, take a look at this article, which features 75 questions to ask a pen pal.
MENTION WHAT YOU HAVE IN COMMON
The chances are, you chose your new penfriend because you have something in common with each other – be that a fondness for jazz music, vegetarianism, a dog obsession, or a positive outlook on life. Mention this common ground in your first letter to grow a feeling of familiarity, and to learn more about the topic from their perspective when they reply.
ADD A LITTLE EXTRA
Pop something in with your letter to give it an extra dimension, if you fancy – perhaps a photograph or newspaper clipping of your town, the view from where you sit down to write letters, or even a tea bag if your pen pal lives abroad. Take a look at this article for 50 ideas of things you can put inside an envelope with your penpal letters.
In summary, just be yourself and show an interest in your new friend, and you’ll write a great first letter. Good luck and happy penpalling!
Tags: first letter, friend, guide, Help, how to, letter, letter writing, pen friend, pen friends, pen pal, Pen pals, penfriend, Penfriends, penpal, penpals, Tips
Having a penfriend is an excellent way for students to practice their English. This can either be done the old fashioned way by sending the letter through the post office (now known as snail mail for its slow pace) or by e-mail using the internet. Penfriends are good as the students are communicating with people their own age in real situations. They feel good when they ask their penfriend a question and then a few days later receive a reply. It also bolsters their confidence when they see that their American or English penfriend has similar difficulty with spelling and grammar! This page gives ideas of what to write in the first few letters and you will also find links to read real letters from students around the world. USEFUL WORDS:
If you already know your pen friend then start the letter with “Dear John”. If not, then start it with “Dear penfriend”.